St Annes bids farewell to 'true gentleman' Arnold

Family and friends were joined by a virtual audience to say farewell to St Annes trade and community champion Arnold Sumner.
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His funeral at St Annes Parish Church was limited to 30 people because of Covid regulations, so the proceedings were also broadcast via live video link.

The founder and long-time co-ordinator of St Annes Chamber of Trade died earlier this month, aged 85.

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Born and bred in St Annes, Arnold had also served as a town councillor, was an enthusiastic supporter of a host of local organisations and events and also a keen participant in amateur dramatics..

Arnold Sumner's funeral cortege passed along Wood Street, St AnnesArnold Sumner's funeral cortege passed along Wood Street, St Annes
Arnold Sumner's funeral cortege passed along Wood Street, St Annes

He successful business owner in his own right, following in the footsteps of his father Edgar, who ran a cycle shop in the town, and Arnold was widely and popularly considered a notable ambassador and ‘font of all knowledge’ of St Annes.

Fylde MP Mark Menzies said in tribute: “Arnold Sumner always had the best interests of his beloved St Annes at heart. He was one of the town’s longest-serving traders, property owner, one of the first councillors elected to St Annes Town Council and an all-round community champion for the town.”

Colin Ballard, chairman of the St Annes Enterprise Partnership (STEP), which took on the Chamber of Trade’s mantle when the Chamber was effectively wound up around four years ago, said: “Arnold was a true gentleman who was St Annes born, bred and ingrained.

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“He was a valuable source of knowledge, support and inspiration for the future development of the town; founder and philanthropist to the Chamber of Trade who pioneered so much to support local businesses.”

Vicar of St Annes Fr David Lyon conducted the funeral ceremony at the Parish ChurchVicar of St Annes Fr David Lyon conducted the funeral ceremony at the Parish Church
Vicar of St Annes Fr David Lyon conducted the funeral ceremony at the Parish Church

Colin and STEP colleagues joined members of the public in applauding as the funeral cortege passed through St Annes town centre ahead of the ceremony at the Parish Church, which was conducted by Vicar of St Annes Fr David Lyon..

Arnold leaves a wife, Jill, a son, a daughter, a grandson and two sisters.

Donations in his memory can be made to the Keep Britain Tidy Love My Beach campaign via funeral director Mark Rae (tel 01253 789000).

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Arnold Sumner in his beloved St Annes town centreArnold Sumner in his beloved St Annes town centre
Arnold Sumner in his beloved St Annes town centre

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